Anugbum Onuoha, the resident electoral commissioner, has said that his relationship with Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), doesn’t impact his ability to oversee the election impartially.
News About Nigeria reports that he made this known during Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Friday, where he was responding to questions.
Onuoha also called on political parties to disregard allegations suggesting he might show favouritism.
This statement comes after Tony Aziegbemi, chairman of the Edo Peoples Democratic Party, requested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reassign Onuoha due to his ties with Wike.
Aziegbemi expressed doubts about Onuoha’s ability to conduct a fair election in the state.
However, Onuoha said his closeness to Wike does not count, as he was competent to handle the election.
“It is a fact that I am a cousin to the minister. Before my appointment, I was invited by the Senate. It screened me, and I was confirmed. I was sworn in by Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, and posted to Edo.
‘Since last year, nobody complained that I am a cousin to the minister. Of course, I am a cousin to the minister. What we should be talking about at this time is the capacity to conduct the election.
“From my background, I am an Associate Professor of Law. People should now ask if I have done this job before. Yes, I was an electoral commissioner in Rivers State.
“Nobody has complained. I am coming from the university. I am not a politician. The mere fact that I am a cousin to Wike does not preclude me from being appointed.
“Am I not a Nigerian? Nigerians should have gone beyond this level,” he said.
